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| Staff Writer |
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Roger Varian's preparations for 2024 have been dealt a significant blow as King of Steel, the stable's top performer, was found to be lame after a workout on May 14. As a result, the talented horse will miss important summer targets.
The Gr.1 Champion Stakes winner had been gearing up for a comeback in the Gr. 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown on May 23, with the intention of using this race as a stepping stone for the Gr.1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.
However, with the recent setback, these plans are now uncertain. Amy Drummond, representing Amo Racing, confirmed the news, stating, "King of Steel is lame and won't be running next week, beyond which we have no plans." A post on X from Amo also mentioned that the injury occurred during routine exercise in Newmarket on Tuesday morning.
"We are happy to report that he is fine and his usual bubbly self, but sadly he will miss his planned seasonal debut at Sandown and Royal Ascot.
"As you can imagine, this is a very disappointing day for all of King of Steel's supporters and all the people who have put their heart and soul into this horse."
On just his third start, King of Steel caused an upset in last year's Group One Derby when he was edged out by half a length by Auguste Rodin. He then went on to trounce subsequent Gr.1 2023 St Leger Stakes (2023) winner Continuous in the Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.
King of Steel also put up a strong performance when moved into open company in the King George VI and Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes . Frankie Dettori earned the ride when King of Steel finally added a Group One to his CV on Champions Day. However, the duo couldn't repeat those heroics when finishing fifth in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita Park in his final run of the season.
Jockey Raul de Silva, who rode out King of Steel every day, said "his heart is broken" by the news of the colt's injury.
He added: "He worked well on Tuesday and walked back fine. I went to see him later and he was fine, but in the evening I got a call saying he was lame. I went to see him this morning."
King of Steel departed from Carlburg Stables to start his recovery at a different location, as is customary for Amo Racing. The Kia Joorabchian operation has verified that the 4-year-old is still under Varian's care.